MALTA, N.Y. — A confrontation at a state police barracks in Saratoga County led to the death of a local man who fired at the building with a high-powered rifle. The incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when troopers returned fire, fatally wounding the gunman.
The shooter, identified as 69-year-old David M. Levine of Malta, drove into a restricted parking area at the facility along Route 9 in a burgundy Nissan pickup truck around 1:45 p.m. According to officials, he began shooting at the barracks without entering the building.
Maj. Christopher Gilroy of Troop G detailed at a press conference that Levine disregarded multiple commands to drop his weapon and aimed his rifle at the officers, prompting them to respond. The exchange and commands prior to the gunfire were recorded on body-worn cameras by the troopers involved. However, the footage is not being released at this time due to the active investigation.
Levine, who lived roughly 5 miles north from the barracks, has had a complex history, including financial troubles and litigation related to unpaid debts, according to court records. His family has long owned property in the area, including a farm and a small motel close to Exit 13 of the Northway.
At the scene, investigators from the state attorney general’s office were present, as is protocol in incidents where police actions result in civilian death. The shooting also led to the temporary closure of Route 9 as law enforcement, including Saratoga County sheriff’s deputies and numerous state police personnel, conducted their investigation.
No injuries were reported among the state troopers during the incident. Forensic teams meticulously examined the area, focusing on Levine’s truck, which had noticeable damage including a shattered passenger-side window. The vehicle, distinguishable by a handicap-access New York license plate and a military veteran sticker, became a central piece of evidence under scrutiny.
Details about the truck and Levine’s financial entanglements with creditors like the Navy Federal Credit Union, which had previously filed a claim against him, further complicate the background of the troubled shooter.
The Malta barracks, a converted brick building formerly a residence and now operating as a police post for decades, lies near the heart of the community, just south of Route 67.
This tragic event underscores ongoing discussions about law enforcement’s preparedness and the challenges faced during unexpected attacks. As the community and investigators seek answers, the broader implications regarding security protocols at such facilities are likely to come under review.